Tuesday 31st July, 2012
St Ignatius Loyola. Jeremiah 14:17–22. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us—Ps 78(79):8–9, 11, 13. Matthew 13:36–43

  
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‘Just as the darnel is gathered up and burnt in the fire, so it will be at the end of time.’

Treating the parable of the wheat and the darnel as an allegory, Jesus explains its main elements to his disciples. As the poisonous weed in the early stages of its growth is indistinguishable from the rest of the crop, the farmer wisely eliminates it only at harvest time. There are lessons here for us personally. One is that we should be less disposed to pass hasty and premature judgments on the character of others. Another is that we should be more ready to acknowledge that the good in ourselves is always mixed with shortcomings.

Like conversion of heart, sowing and reaping in our spiritual life is an ongoing process. May we bring forth in our lives the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness (Galatians 5:22).